THE next Chief Executive of the Western Health and Social Care Trust could potentially earn more than Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
With current Chief Executive Elaine Way due to retire at the end of July, the Western Trust are now seeking applications from anyone interested in becoming her successor.
A job advertisement has been placed in the press and is also available online.
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The Chief Executive role, which is based at Altnagelvin in Londonderry, is classed as a Senior Executive Level 2 post, and will attract a salary of between £96,949 and £129,264 per year.
According to the Northern Ireland Assembly website, from April 1 this year, the annual salary of the First Minister – when he or she is appointed – will be £121,500.
This will rise to £122,000 per year from April 1, 2018.
By comparison, a briefing paper available on the website for the UK’s Houses of Parliament reveals that Prime Minister Theresa May receives £150,402 a year.
In the recently-published job advertisement, the Western Trust, which has an annual budget of around £592 million and employs almost 12,500 staff, states that it is seeking a new Chief Executive who combines “experience with innovation, determination with collaboration and passion for results with compassion for people”.
Established on April 1, 2007, the Trust’s catchment area covers Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Limavady, in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. It serves a population of around 300,000.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday, April 7. Shortlisting of the candidates will take place during the week commencing April 10, with final interviews being held during the week starting May 1.
While the position is described as permanent, the Trust has stated that it “may consider appointment to the role on a secondment basis”.
It was announced at the beginning of February that current Western Trust Chief Executive, Mrs. Way, would be retiring at the end of July.
She has served as the organisation’s Chief Executive since it was formed in 2007.
Having worked in health and social care since 1977, Mrs. Way had previously served as Chief Executive of Foyle, then Altnagelvin Trusts.
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